This Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is the Perfect Solution for an Intimate Holiday
Thanksgiving often brings its own set of questions each year: How do I brine the turkey? Can mashed potatoes be made ahead? How do I get everything ready by 4pm?? But this year, a new dilemma arises: How do I create a Thanksgiving feast for just me and my partner?
If you're not hosting a crowd and want to avoid weeks of leftovers, here's the perfect solution: a Thanksgiving charcuterie board. It's easy to serve, enjoy, and share, while still offering all the flavors of the holiday—without the mountain of dirty dishes or leftover casseroles.
Does this mean you'll be munching on just crackers and cheese instead of a comforting multi-course meal? Definitely not. This charcuterie board can still feature all your favorite dishes, but in a more practical and manageable way. Mini muffin tin, we're ready for you.
Including small, pre-made or baked items like baked Brie, duchess potatoes, or pecan pie cookies will still give you that nostalgic holiday vibe, reminiscent of hours spent cooking. But with this approach, you'll be able to relax and minimize your stress. Plus, your home will still smell wonderfully festive.
You’ve likely had some practice assembling a meat and cheese board during quarantine, but if not, here are our top tips to get you started.
How to Create a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Stick to the Classics (That You Actually Love)
The beauty of a charcuterie board is that there are absolutely no rules. None at all. So fill your platter with the foods you know will be enjoyed. Love ham but not turkey? Skip the turkey and opt for ham and cranberry sliders instead. Don’t care for sweet potato casserole? Try sweet potato tots or bacon-wrapped sweet potato skewers. There are so many ways to downsize the Thanksgiving dishes you can't live without, from green bean casserole tartlets to cheesy scalloped potato roses. Oh, and have you tried our Stuffin' Muffins yet?
Dress Up With Dishware
Color, texture, and height are essential for creating an appealing cheese board, so don’t overlook the power of mini bowls, dishes, and jars. These add both structure and style, helping separate the food while introducing splashes of color and unique shapes. Look around your house for anything useful (I’ve even repurposed a candle lid!) before assembling your board. Pumpkins, sprigs of rosemary, and fresh cranberries also bring an extra charm. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly!
Elevate Your Cheese Selection
Cheese is the star of any cheese board, but even a simple block of Cheddar can feel festive with a little creativity. Top your Brie with cranberry sauce, or coat a log of goat cheese in chopped candied pecans for a holiday twist. Ever seen a cheese ball this cute? Mixing up your usual cheese choices will make this board feel extra special.
Keep Things Fresh
Depending on how long you plan to prepare and enjoy your platter, your items could be sitting out for a few hours. To keep things fresh, opt for foods that don’t need heating or refrigeration. Even if it’s safe to eat, nobody’s reaching for the cold onion dip once it’s lost its warmth. Plus, it reduces your stress level.
Don't Skip Dessert
Can roasted turkey slices sit alongside mini apple pies? Absolutely! No rules here. If you’re the type to go from savory to sweet (or dive straight into dessert first), this board gives you the freedom to do just that. Don’t forget to include the most essential part of the meal—dessert. Here are a few of our top picks.
Looking for more ideas? Here are some charcuterie-style snacks that didn’t make the cut for our board:
- Bourbon- glazed carrots
- Caramel popcorn
- Cornbread muffins
- Sweet potato chips
- Cinnamon apples
- Green bean bundles
- Candied pecans
- Crispy smashed potatoes
- Turkey meatballs
- Pigs in a blanket
- Pumpkin bread
Discover even more festive inspiration in our full collection of Thanksgiving Recipes.
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